A simple approach for the preparation of a new class of bifunctional Au nanoparticle-acid catalysts has been developed. In situ reduction of Au3+ with HS-functionalized PMO creates robust, fine Au nanoparticles and concomitantly produces sulfonic acid moiety strongly bonded to periodic mesoporous organosilicas (PMO). Characterizations of the nanostructures reveal that Au nanoparticles are formed with uniformed, narrow size distribution around 1~2 nm, which is very critical for essential catalytic activities. The unique amphiphilic compartment of the Au-HS/SO3H-PMO(Et) nanostructures enable organic reactions to proceed efficiently in a pure aqueous solution without using any organic solvents or even without water. As demonstrated experimentally, remarkably, the unique bifunctional Au-HS/SO3H-PMO(Et) catalyst displays higher efficiencies in promoting water-medium alkyne hydration and solvent free alkyne hydration process than its homogenous catalysts. The robust catalyst can be easily recycled and used repetitively for at least 10 times without loss of catalytic efficiency. These features render the catalyst particularly attractive in practice of organic synthesis in an environmentally friendly manner.

Mesoporous organosilica supported functionalized gold nanoparticles as a highly active and reusable catalyst for hydration of alkynes

244th National Meeting (2012)

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